Correspondence on turning down another project, 1853

Dr. Hubbard Foster
Clifton Springs
Ontario Co. NY
Dr Sir
Mr. Scott handed me your letter of the 17th ult which I noticed. I beg to say in reference to this matter that we here have no desire to enter into the business proposed by Mr. Brown not because we did not think very highly of it & its prospects but because we had our hands full. Our object in proposing to take an interest in it was simply to induce Judge Phelps a most excellent & worthy [unclear] man & of large means to come here to settle with us, he saying that he wd become interested in this matter if we would. We thot [thought] this matter might be the means of turning his attention to this place & determine his location &c. We have entertained for Mr. Brown the highest regard & so we have for you from all we learn of you & shd be pleased to have you both settle here. Mr. Phelps has now become interested in a large contract on our railroad & I presume wd not wish to engage in the iron business so that the matter is then for you & Mr. Brown if you desire to avail yourself of the opportunity.
Most resp your obt svt
Geo W. Scranton

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Dr. Hubbard Foster
Clifton Springs
Ontario Co. NY
Dr Sir
Mr. Scott handed me your letter of the 17th ult which I noticed. I beg to say in reference to this matter that we here have no desire to enter into the business proposed by Mr. Brown not because we did not think very highly of it & its prospects but because we had our hands full. Our object in proposing to take an interest in it was simply to induce Judge Phelps a most excellent & worthy [unclear] man & of large means to come here to settle with us, he saying that he wd become interested in this matter if we would. We thot [thought] this matter might be the means of turning his attention to this place & determine his location &c. We have entertained for Mr. Brown the highest regard & so we have for you from all we learn of you & shd be pleased to have you both settle here. Mr. Phelps has now become interested in a large contract on our railroad & I presume wd not wish to engage in the iron business so that the matter is then for you & Mr. Brown if you desire to avail yourself of the opportunity.
Most resp your obt svt
Geo W. Scranton